Rashford’s Second- Half Hat-Trick in 18 Minutes Rips RB Leipzig Apart

Manchester United’s English striker Marcus Rashford leaves the pitch with the match ball after winning the UEFA Champions League group H football match between Manchester United and RB Leipzig at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on October 28, 2020. Manchester United won the match 5-0. 
Anthony Devlin / AFP

Mason Greenwood looked like grabbing the headlines with his first-half strike but Rashford came off the bench to remind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he is the main man at Old Trafford and Anthony Martial also got in on the act.Super-sub Marcus Rashford scored a clinical second-half hat-trick as Manchester United ripped German league leaders RB Leipzig apart on Wednesday to seize control of their Champions League group with a 5-0 rout.

Rashford, who scored three times in an 18-minute blitz, is only the second United player to score a hat-trick as a substitute after Solskjaer himself performed the feat against Nottingham Forest in 1999.

United, who endured a torrid start to their season, have taken control of Group H after building on their impressive opening win against Paris Saint-Germain.

“Marcus Rashford came on and did well but the groundwork was there from the team, that’s what you want from the subs,” Solskjaer told BT Sport.

“What a shift they put in. Leipzig is a high press, the intensity, so we had to dig deep.

“We had to rest a few because the season is relentless, so we used the squad. This group is coming together. The more quality and spirit you have, the more you get the performance.”

Rashford, last week’s hero in the French capital, and Bruno Fernandes were surprisingly left on the bench as United went in search of their first home win of the season.

– Greenwood opener –

Greenwood, who last month was sent home in disgrace by England for breaking coronavirus protocols, started up front alongside Martial.

Julian Nagelsmann’s team started brightly, pinning the home side back but United soon settled, creating openings.

They broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Paul Pogba drove forward from midfield and fed Greenwood, who stroked the ball with his left foot across Peter Gulacsi and into the far corner for his first Champions League goal.

United had a nervous wait as VAR looked at a potential off-side but the goal was allowed to stand.

Leipzig, last season’s semi-finalists, came back strongly, pinning United back for long spells of the rest of the first half.

Christopher Nkunku forced a smart save from David de Gea and Nemanja Matic reacted to stop Marcel Halstenberg getting on the end of the resulting corner.

United were only showing flashes in attack after the break but Leipzig were struggling to create clear-cut chances at the other end, although De Gea had to be alert to tip over a close-range Ibrahima Konate header.

Solskjaer threw on Rashford, Fernandes and Scott McTominay within the space of a few minutes to change the dynamic and United reaped the rewards.

Fernandes sent a superb first-time ball through to Rashford, who raced clear and slotted past Gulasci in the 74th minute.

The linesman had raised his flag for offside but VAR checked the decision, ruling that the forward started his run in his own half and awarded the goal.

Rashford rifled home again four minutes later to make the score 3-0 but then unselfishly allowed Martial to take a penalty after the Frenchman was brought down in the box.

But the England man completed his hat-trick in added time to cap a devastating display.

“I think the manager wanted me to up the tempo,” said Rashford.

“That for us means going forward. There were definitely spaces there. We got Bruno and Paul (Pogba) on the ball. We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward.”

A shell-shocked Nagelsmann, for whom this was the first defeat of the season said: “It was a bit crazy because after they scored the first goal we did well. The final 20 minutes were very bad.”

-AFP

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Sanwo-Olu Awards Scholarship To Children Of Policemen Who Died In Lagos Violence

The state government yesterday directed the Lagos State Scholarship Board to award scholarship to the children of the slain officers up to the university level.

It was also learnt that twenty-nine Divisional Police Stations and 17 Police Posts were razed by hoodlums disguising as protesters. Also, six police officers were lynched, 36 critically injured, while 71 police operational vehicles were torched.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who visited the Command Headquarters in Ikeja to boost the morale of officers, promised to rebuild the burnt police stations and also give life insurance to police officers. The Lagos state Governor also promised to compensate the families of the late policemen who died in the violence.

The statement released by the Lagos state government read;

SANWO-OLU AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP TO CHILDREN OF POLICEMEN WHO DIED IN LAGOS VIOLENCE

•Also To Compensate Their Families

•Lagos To Rebuild Burnt Police Stations, Give Life Insurance For Officers

Police officers lynched in the wake of the violence that erupted last week in the State will not die in vain, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged.

The State Government, on Wednesday, directed the Lagos State Scholarship Board to award scholarship to the children of the slain officers up to the university level.

The State Police Command bore huge loss in personnel, armoury and properties in the violence.

Twenty-nine Divisional Police Stations and 17 Police Posts were razed by hoodlums disguising as protesters. Also, six police officers were lynched, 36 critically injured, while 71 police operational vehicles were torched.

In spite of the loss, the police said they remained undeterred in performing their constitutional duties.

Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, made the offer to take the bill of replacing the logistics lost by the police when he visited the Command Headquarters in Ikeja to boost the morale of officers, following the demoralising events of the past week in which police officers and their stations were targeted by hoodlums.

The Governor got the assurance of the police’s commitment to strengthen security across the State from the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu.

Sanwo-Olu said the statutory duties of the Police could not be wished away because of the actions of a few bad eggs, noting that the impact of the police officers’ absence on the roads was generally felt by residents.

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US Objection Stalls Okonjo-Iweala’s Emergence As WTO DG

In this file photo taken on July 15, 2020 Nigerian former Foreign and Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala smiles during a press conference in Geneva, following her hearing before World Trade Organization 164 member states’ representatives, as part of the application process to head the WTO as Director-General.  PHOTO: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Key World Trade Organisation (WTO) ambassadors on Wednesday tapped Nigeria’s nominee, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the best pick to lead the organization, but she was opposed by the United State of America (USA), which said it supported South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee instead.

The ‘troika’ of ambassadors heading the WTO’s three main branches determined after four months of consultations with member states that Okonjo-Iweala was the most likely to obtain the consensus needed to take the top job, WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell told reporters.

The initial pool of eight candidates for the WTO’s top post had been whittled down to just two over two previous rounds of consultations, with only Okonjo-Iweala and South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee still in the race.

The global trade body is thus set to be led by a woman for the first time whichever of the two final candidates succeeds in their bid to follow Roberto Azevedo, who stepped down as WTO director-general in August, a year ahead of schedule.

The troika, led by New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker, concluded the third round of consultations on Tuesday.

Its decision marks an important step paving the way for Okonjo-Iweala to become both the first woman and the first African to head the organisation.

But the WTO’s 164 member states still need to determine whether they will support her before their next General Council meeting on November 9.

Washington already said it was opposed to her candidacy, casting doubt on whether she can obtain the necessary full backing from member states.

In a statement late Wednesday, the US Trade Representative’s office expressed support for Yoo, calling her “a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policymaker.

“She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization,” the statement said. “The WTO is badly in need of major reform. It must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field.”

– ‘Immensely humbled’ –

Rockwell said that 27 delegations had taken the floor during Wednesday’s meeting and only the United States “could not support the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi.”

Rockwell meanwhile stressed that Wednesday’s meeting “was never intended to make a final decision” on the next director-general since that is up to the General Council.

Okonjo-Iweala, 66, who served as Nigeria’s first female finance and foreign minister and has a 25-year career behind her as a development economist at the World Bank, welcomed the troika’s support.

“Dr. Ngozi is immensely humbled to receive the backing of the WTO’s selection committee today,” a spokesperson told AFP in an email. “She is honoured by the faith members have placed in her.”

Okonjo-Iweala voiced confidence earlier this month that she would be the successful candidate.

“I feel the wind behind my back,” she told a virtual press briefing after the 55-member African Union officially supported her.

‘Reform candidate’

Okonjo-Iweala, who also serves on Twitter’s board of directors, as chair of the GAVI vaccine alliance and as a special envoy for the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 fight, saw her candidacy get another boost this week when the EU threw its weight behind her.

She would certainly have her hands full in the new position.

Even before the Covid-19 crisis hit, the WTO was already grappling with stalled trade talks and struggling to curb tensions between the United States and China.

The global trade body has also faced relentless attacks from Washington, which has crippled the WTO dispute settlement appeal system and threatened to leave the organisation altogether.

Okonjo-Iweala said earlier this month that she had broad experience in championing reform and was the right person to help put the WTO back on track.

“I am a reform candidate and I think the WTO needs the reform credentials and skills now.”

AFP

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Nigerian Army known for lies and deception - Femi Falana (SAN)

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) in a virtual #EndSARS meeting organised by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, on Wednesday 28th of October said family members of those affected by the shooting at Lekki toll gate have refused to speak about the incident “because of the environment under which we operate”.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who said the military is “known for lies and deception”, said there must be justice for the victims of Lekki shooting.

Narrating how the Nigerian Army “covered up” the reported killing of 347 Shi’ites in Zaria, Kaduna state, in 2015, Falana said the Lekki incident must not be swept under the carpet.

Soldiers had reportedly opened fire on the Shi’ites during a procession at a time the convoy of Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, was passing.

Although the army claimed few Shi’ites were killed in the incident, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) and a panel set up by the Kaduna state government said the casualties were more than 300.

Speaking at the meeting he accused the army of lying about the incident in Lekki, saying nothing should have warranted soldiers’ presence at the protest venue.

“Nobody should believe the military, it has a history of lies, fraud and deception,” he said.

“Just in December 2015, the same chief of army staff claimed there was a traffic jam in Zaria and the big man wanted to move.

“And because of that traffic, he got soldiers from the first division in Kaduna to mow down hundreds of Shi’ites. And what was the explanation? That the Shi’ites wanted to assassinate the chief of army staff, and so his boys had to save him and in the process, they repelled these Shi’ites who had guns and about six or seven people died.

“But in a commission of enquiry set up by the Kaduna state government, we were told that indeed, 347 Nigerians were killed by the military; no autopsy, no postmortem, nothing whatsoever.

“Their bodies were taken away in the dead of the night and given a mass burial. And people will ask you, ‘if anybody lost his child in Lekki, why can’t they come up?’ Who has come up in the case of Zaria? Because you must understand the environment under which we operate.”

According to him, the injured protesters were told in a hospital that they were going to be held liable for the riots in town, “and so, everybody had to move.”

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Sanwo-Olu: “We found no blood stains at Lekki Toll Gate”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has claimed that there were no blood stains at the Lekki Toll Plaza after the shooting last Tuesday.

On the 20th of October 2020, protesters and the world were left stunned as military men shot at unarmed Nigerians who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Plaza to demand an end to police brutality

Sanwo-Olu has maintained his earlier position that only two persons died as a result of the gruesome incident, while also admitting that footages showed clearly that security operatives who shot at the protesters were from the military despite several denials from the Defence Headquarters.

Sanwo-Olu who spoke to CNN’s Becky Anderson said,

“Two dead bodies, that is what we have seen from all the morgues, that’s what we have seen going to hospitals, that’s what we have seen as record.

“What has happened is that there have been so many footages that were seen, that people have shown, but we have not seen bodies, we have not seen relatives, we have not seen anybody truly coming out to say I am a father or a mother to someone and I cannot find that person. Nobody has turned up. I have been to the ground, there is no scratch of blood anywhere there.”

“From the footage that we could see, because there were cameras at that facility, it seems to me that they would be men in military uniform. That’s what the footage shows,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footages will be part of the investigation by the judicial panel already set up to investigate the incident, which according to him has already started sitting on Monday.

“People have claimed that their friends and family members have been killed or went missing over the years. That is what the judicial panel is meant to do. It is to answer all the unanswered questions and ensure justice. We will invite those who have one case or the other to try and identify those officers who were responsible”.

“it was beyond his control” to mete out punishment to those found culpable, however assuring that those responsible will be held accountable.

“I am not the Commander in- Chief of the Armed forces. The report will be out, we will channel the report to all the relevant authorities in the State to ensure everyone that is found culpable is accountable for the act,” he said.

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The #EndSARS Protests; A Fundamental Lesson in Democratic Governance - BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

APC Leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released series of tweets addressing the #EndSARS protest and its aftermath.

Read Below.

I heavily grieve for those who have lost their lives or been injured during the period of these protests.

My deepest sympathies go to their families and loved ones for none should have been made to pay such a dear price. My career as an active politician spans nearly three decades.

In that time, I have seen many things as Nigeria has struggled, sometimes against itself, to undertake the often painful yet inexorable push toward democratic government accountable to, and protective of, the people.

Here, let me directly address the sharp point aimed against me. I have been falsely accused of ordering the reported deployment of soldiers against peaceful protesters that took place at Lekki on 20 October 2020.

This allegation is a complete and terrible lie. I did not order this or any assault against anybody. I would never want such a vile thing to happen nor did I have any prior knowledge about this sad event.

It is my firm belief that no one should be harassed, injured or possibly killed for doing what they have the constitutional right to do in making their contribution to a better, more equitable society.

As a political figure, I am accustomed to people attributing to me all manner of indiscretions of which I have no knowledge and in which I played no role. I have usually ignored such falsities as the cost of being in the public eye.

This time, it is different. The allegation now levied against me is that I called on soldiers to kill my own people. This allegation is the foulest of lies.

The use of strong force against any peaceful protesters is indefensible, completely outside the norms of a democratic society and progressive political culture to which I aspire and have devoted my public life.

That people were angered by the reports of violence and death is acutely understandable.

Understandably outraged, people sought to hold someone accountable.

For various reasons, I became the most available scapegoat. Some people don't like me because they believe the false rumours uttered about me over the years. Some maligned my name because they hide ulterior motives & harbour unrequited political scores they intend to settle

A week ago, such people tried to bring enmity between me and the state and federal governments by contending I was sponsoring the protests.

When that did not work, they then sought to sow enmity between me and the people by saying I ordered soldiers to quash the very same protests they first accused me of organising.

My opponents have every right to oppose me politically but let them have the courage to do so in the open, above board and to employ facts not evil fiction in their efforts against me.

They have no right to slander and defame anyone with the terrible and vile fabrications now cast at my feet.

Those who have decided to hate me will hate me regardless of the truth. Again, they have the right to think as they may and I am not troubled by their unfounded animus. Today, I speak not to them. I leave them to the workings of their own conscience.

The slander aimed at me is based on the untruth that I own the toll gate concession. The hate mongers prevaricate that I ordered the Lekki assault because the protests had caused me to lose money due to the interruption of toll gate activity.

I ask people to thoroughly investigate the matter of my alleged ownership of the toll gate. By seeking facts, instead of being swayed by gossip, you will find I have no ownership interest or involvement in the toll gate.

At bottom, the toll gate is a public asset. If it is reopened, revenues should be donated to the confirmed victims of the Lekki attack as well as to other identifiable victims of police brutality in Laos.

Let government use the money to compensate and take care of those who have lost life or limb in the struggle for all citizens to go about the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of life without fear of undue harassment at this or that checkpoint.

On the other hand, I am, indeed, a promoter and financial investor in The Nation and TVC. It was widely known and circulated through social media that certain malevolent elements were going to take advantage of the situation to attack the Nation newspaper facilities & TVC.

These elements, mostly hirelings of my political opponents, wreaked their havoc and destroyed those buildings and facilities and I thank God that the employees of these two media institutions managed to escape largely unharmed.

There is no rationale that can adequately explain why I would order soldiers to repel peaceful protesters from the toll gate where I have no financial interest, yet, choose to do nothing to protect my investments in the Nation and TVC.

The good and creative people of Lagos have worked hard over the years to build it into the dynamic economic and cultural focal point it has become. Lagos has enjoyed over two decades of sustained, uninterrupted growth.

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We’ll address all #EndSARS demands — Nigerian Governors

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), on Monday, said it would address the demands of Nigerian youth protesting police brutality and harassment across the country.

For the past two weeks, thousands of youth have been on the streets demanding an end to police brutality, disbandment of the dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian police and comprehensive reforms.

The protests have disrupted activities, with cases of violence recorded in many cities. As of Monday, about 12 deaths have been recorded in the ongoing protests.

The federal government conceded to the protesters by first dissolving the notorious police unit and replacing it with a department known as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

The protesters have, however, not yielded ground as they continue to occupy the streets and call for other institutional reforms.

In a statement on Monday signed by the chairman of the NGF, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, the NGF said “governors have endorsed the demands by demonstrators for improved governance”.

It said they also agreed to set up a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to receive all cases of police brutality by officers of the disbanded SARS Unit.

“Each State is also expected to kickstart a compensation mechanism for all victims,” the governors said.

Mr Fayemi also listed other resolutions reached by his colleagues.

“Governors thereafter resolved to: condemn the attack on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State by armed persons while he was addressing anti-police brutality protesters in the state capital Osogbo; protesters are encouraged to engage with the government appropriately at both the national institute level to ensure that the protests are not taken over by hoodlums who are instigating a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the country.

“Activate a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to receive all cases of police brutality by officers of the disbanded SARS Unit. Each State is also expected to kickstart a compensation mechanism for all victims.

“Endorse the call by demonstrators for improved governance predicated on an enforcement regime that takes into cognizance the fundamental human rights and liberties of all citizens in the country;

“Act on all the Demands made by the EndSARS protesters raising some concerns with the shifting nature of the demands which creates uncertainty on the exact expectations and ultimate goal;

“Finally, appeal for the call off of protests as a continuation grossly exposes the fragile economic fundamentals of the country; particularly as criminal elements and hoodlums have hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties.”

Premium Times

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Lagos state government shuts down schools over #ENDSARS protests

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu

The Lagos state government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state following the ongoing End SARS protest.

The order was contained in a statement released on Monday October 19 by the state’s Head of Public Affairs, Ministry of Education, Kayode Abayomi. The statement  quoted the state Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, as saying that the schools were shut down over “tension generated by the anti-SARS protests.”

The statement reads in part

“The Lagos State Government has directed all pupils/students in public and private schools to stay at home following the tension generated by the anti-SARS protests.

A new date of resumption for all classes will be announced as soon as possible.

The safety of the pupils/students, parents and all staff working in schools is paramount at this critical period”.

Adefisayo advised parents to “keep an eye on their wards and not allow them to be used as willing tools in the hands of those who might want to hijack the protests to unleash mayhem on the society”.

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#EndSARS: Defence minister warns protesters against ‘breaching national security’

The Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has cautioned #EndSARS protesters against breaching National Security.

General Magashi gave the caution when the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) Danladi Pasali led his team to visit him at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja on Sunday.

The Minister’s warning was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mohammad Abdulkadri.

Although details of his warning to the protesters fully given in the statement, the Minister extolled the virtues of President Muhammadu Buhari whom he described as a “forthright leader.”

He assured the BCO members of the support of the Ministry of Defence in “actualising their lofty programmes in raising the bar of national security.”

He, therefore, solicited the backing of the Ministry for the initiative to succeed towards contributing their qouta to the maintenance of peace, security and socio-economic development of the country.

The Defence Minister’s warning comes after Senate President Ahmed Lawan called for an end to the protests across the country.

Senator Lawan said the protests have yielded the desired results and that government needs time to address a few of the demands made by the protesting youths.

The Senate President made this call after a closed-door meeting between himself, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and President Muhammadu Buhari, today at State House in Abuja.

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IGP lists qualifications of SWAT operatives as training begins today

The Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed has announced that the training for operatives of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) unit will commence on Monday October 19. 

The police chief made the announcement in spite of the protest against the replacement of defunct and controversial police unit, SARS with the newly created unit (SWAT). 

In a statement released on Sunday October 18 by Nigerian Police Force spokesperson Frank Mba, the IGP was quoted saying that the security operatives will operate within “high professional and ethical standards, rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices”.

Adamu Mohammed also disclosed that those to be absorbed into the new police unit are young, smart, and energetic officers with at least seven-year work experience and clean service records with no pending disciplinary matters and no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms.

The statement read; 

“The IGP reiterates that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member the new Tactical Team. He notes that the officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven (7) years working experience with clean service records – no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms – and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations. 

“The selected officers shall be subjected to physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening etc and those found to be unsuitable shall be discharged.

“The ICRC, an independent International human rights and humanitarian support organization with over 71years of experience in humanitarian services and institutional support and development, will provide resource persons and materials to handle the human rights components of the training program.

“Specifically, they will handle topics touching on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict situation, human rights standard especially in the use of force and firearms, arrest and detention amongst others.

“Other areas of the training program will include modern-day police ethics and values, Intelligence-led policing, Operation planning/Tactical decision-making processes, Hostage rescue tactics and operation, weapon handling, first aid/basic life-saving skills, stress/fear management, police-citizens relations and emotional intelligence etc.

“The training modules will be handled by other carefully selected development partners, security experts as well as veterans from the civil society and human rights community.”

Mba who noted that the immediate establishment of a new tactical team is in view of the need to fill the void created by the dissolution of the defunct SARS “particularly during the ‘EMBER Month’ traditionally characterized by an upsurge in armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country”, added that that the police will partner with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other development partners for the training of the team which will take place at at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Ila Oragun, Osun state and the PMF Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa state.

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“Operation Crocodile Smile” not targeted at #EndSARS protesters - DHQ

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sagir Musa, made this known in a press statement on Sunday.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to some social media stuff wrongfully condemning the Army and its Leadership over the announcement of Exercise CROCODILE SMILE VI particularly the Cyber Warfare Component of the Exercise. This year’s Exercise CROCODILE SMILE is scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31st of December 2020 has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.

“For the records, Exercise CROCODILE SMILE is a yearly exercise in the NA Calendar/Forecast of Events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year.

“Thus, to now insinuate that it is an exercise meant to stifle the ongoing ENDSARS protest is to say the least highly misinformed. Exercise CROCODILE SMILE VI has nothing to do with the ongoing protest and the NA has never been involved in the ongoing protest in any form whatsoever. So far, the army has acted professionally since the civil protest started over two weeks ago.

“The army hereby enjoins all law abiding Nigerians to go about their lawful activities unhindered as the Exercise has nothing to do with ENDSARS protest, but a yearly event set out to train NA officers and soldiers in its efforts to ensuring safety and security of Nigeria and her citizens.”

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181 Boarding Students Test Positive For COVID-19 In Lekki, Lagos

The Lagos State government dislosed on Friday that one hundred and eighty-one students and staff of a private boarding school in the Lekki area of Lagos state have tested positive for COVID-19.

Giving details of the investigation, Abayomi explained that a 14-year-old SS1 female student fell ill on the 3rd of October and was sent home after receiving first aid at the school. He added that the student subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday 6th of October in one of the accredited private labs in Lagos.

The Commissioner assured Lagosians that the State government, through the incident commands system, has the situation under control, stressing that appropriate steps have been taken to contain the spread and manage the positive cases. He noted that all parents have been contacted and counselled via a family zoom call on 13th October to further allay their fears and communication between school authorities and parents continues. The zoom call was attended by the commissioners for Health and Education and all relevant responders and stakeholders.

“There are a total lockdown and movement restriction in the school with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Pillar of the EOC and Ibeju-Lekki LGA State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) reporting at the school daily to conduct a further investigation while positive students and staff have been isolated on the premises and given the COVID-19 home-care treatment packs and are being monitored in isolation within the school premises,” Abayomi said.

The Commissioner stated that the school authorities supported by the State Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are following the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the government. According to him, “students are to be isolated in the School premises and if unwell will be admitted in one of the accredited isolation centers in Lagos. Students are discouraged from going home to avoid infecting members of their families”.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Education to jointly manage this minor but significant outbreak in this boarding school. “I am pleased to announce that all the infected students are predominantly asymptomatic while some have very mild symptoms, no student has required hospitalization,” he said.

“Members of the Emergency Operation Center and our counterparts in the Ministry of Education have been deployed to the school to provide strategic interventions and support to the school. This includes psychosocial support, infection prevention control, medical monitoring, and risk communication experts to further enlighten and educate affected people,” Abayomi noted.

The Commissioner reemphasized the need for citizens to practice the highest standard of personal and environmental hygiene, stressing that use of face mask in public places, proper handwashing and hand hygiene practice, and maintaining physical distance will help prevent the spread of the infection.

“COVID-19 is still very much with us and we must strive to prioritize the safety of all, including students and teachers, by adhering strictly to prevention protocols and guidelines issued by the government to prevent its spread,” Abayomi said.

He urged Lagosians to call the 08000EKOMED or 08000356633 toll-free line if they notice any sign or symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell.

CHANNELS TV

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"Negotiate with the protesting youths like you negotiate with terrorists"- Falana to FG

Human Rights activist, Femi Falana has called on the Federal Government to negotiate with the protesting Nigerian youths who are demanding an end to police brutality in the country.

He urged the Federal Government to talk with #EndSARS protesters and grant their demands, the same way it negotiates with terrorists.

Falana said this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

“The government must engage in dialogue with leaders of the protesting groups,” he said. “After all, the government negotiates with terrorists so why don’t you negotiate with patriots like the young men and women that are protesting all over the country.

Speaking on how to end the nationwide protests, the Human Rights lawyer stated that the talks by the government should be backed by steps that meet the demands of Nigerians.

He expressed that the first step is to ensure that protesters are protected.

Another, according to him, is for a full-fledged inquiry into the outright killings of Nigerians by police officers.

INFORMATION NIGERIA

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FG Accepts 5-Point Demand Of EndSARS Protesters

The presidential panel on police reform has accepted the five-point demand of the #EndSARS protesters.

Over the past few days, there have been renewed calls for the scrapping of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the Nigeria police force over reports of brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Following the protest, Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), had disbanded the SARS unit.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also issued a directive, calling for a reform of the police force.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, a meeting convened by the IGP with stakeholders agreed to meet the demands, which include halting the use of force against protesters and unconditional release of arrested citizens.

More To Come

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Nine persons killed in Osun tanker explosion (photos)

Nine persons have been confirmed dead after a tanker laden with diesel exploded at Igbelajewa village along the Ilesha-Akure Expressway, in Osun state today Monday, October 12.

According to reports, the accident occurred after the tanker driver lost control of the wheel. Several vehicles were destroyed in the inferno.

See more photos from the scene of the incident below

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Ooni: How my daughter almost lost her life to SARS operatives

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed his support to  the ongoing protest against brutality and extortion by SARS operatives.

Ogunwusi narrated his nasty experience with SARS on Twitter. He disclosed how his 25-year-old daughter almost lost her life in the incident.

Tweeting through his handle, @OoniAdimulaIfe, he said, “I understand your plight, my 25 year old daughter had a nasty experience with SARS, almost losing her life. On her way to the airport, she was stopped and terribly ransacked and surrounded by fully armed plain clothes policemen in a bus, detained for close to 30 minutes of thorough questioning.

“Imagine a young female for that matter; all her belongings completely searched all because she was with a laptop on an official assignment from her office in Lagos. I can only imagine the countless ones that have lost their lives from such ordeals, may their souls rest in peace.

“I assure you that this is the beginning of greater things to come in Nigeria. I implore you to demand for more, but plead with you to do so in a peaceful manner, as anything outside of that will cause unnecessary havoc for all.”

The monarch said he was aware that some protesters had been unjustly arrested by the police.

He said he would do everything to ensure that they are freed.

Ogunwusi advised the police to understand that the protests would also improve the welfare of men and women of the Force and asked them to see it as such.

The monarch stated, “I have been informed of many innocent souls that were arrested and currently being detained, be rest assured that I am pursuing the matter and they will be set free.

“To the men and women of the Nigerian police force, be assured that this movement is also for you, we know you are humans also and your reality is as a result of your environment.

“This movement demands better on your behalf, and is aimed at pushing the government to do better for you and elevate your standard of living. Do not persecute your advocates. God bless Nigerian youths and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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Buhari: Disbanding Of SARS First Step To Extensive Police Reforms

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja declared that disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is the first step to extensive police reforms by his administration.

Speaking at the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), aimed at creating 774,000 jobs across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country, President Buhari also directed that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts be brought to justice.

''I will like to use this opportunity to say a word on the recent genuine concerns and agitations by Nigerians about the excessive use of force and in some cases extra-judicial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force,’’ President Buhari said during the launch of the P-YES programme, attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Engineer Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

He continued: ''The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people

''We will also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts are brought to justice.

''We deeply regret the loss of life of the young man in Oyo State during the recent demonstrations.

''I have directed that the circumstances of his death should be thoroughly investigated.

''Meanwhile, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of men and women of the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties.

''The few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image and reputation of the force.

On the empowerment programme, the President while restating his administration’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation pledged that the Federal Government policies of social protection and people empowerment would continue on track, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

The President, who described P-YES as a cornerstone of his administration’s social and economic development strategies, said it was part of the overall policy of ensuring that 100 million Nigerians were lifted out of poverty in ten years.

''The P-YES is also part of the plan that we adopted in 2016 in which we empowered One hundred youths from each of the 774 Local Government Areas with the necessary tools to acquire skills and establish small businesses.

''Given the success of that initiative, we are now committed to creating 774,000 jobs across all the LGAs, through the P-YES programme,'' he said.

President Buhari, who took a tour of P-YES tools and equipment displayed at the forecourt of Presidential Villa, expressed delight that the materials showcased represent the fruits of the initiatives embarked upon by his administration in 2016.

''All the tools, machines and equipment that are exhibited here, are products of the efforts of these empowered youth entrepreneurs.

''I note with particular pleasure that they were all fabricated in Nigeria by Nigerian youths using locally sourced materials. This is a wonderful and uplifting achievement.

''As an entrepreneurship empowerment project, the P-YES programme aims to address the needs of unskilled and less educated youth.

''It targets key areas of activities that are of practical importance and are essential to every aspect of our economy.

''These include areas such as agriculture and food processing, restaurant and catering, tailoring and fashion design, technical skills such as in the Information and Communications Technology sector, artisanship, welding, carpentry and joinery, other small businesses and activities associated with the micro-economic sector of this economy,'' he said.

The President used the occasion to call on State Governments, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to factor the P-YES into their programmes to assist the youth realise their potentials in their chosen fields.

He urged local and foreign private sector operators in Nigeria to also contribute their share to the expansion of this programme through channeling their corporate social responsibility efforts towards skills acquisition, creation of start-ups, and other intervention measures.

President Buhari declared that the expansion of the P-YES would now be vigorously pursued, adding that more resources will be committed to the achievement of its goals and objectives towards youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

The President commended the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affairs, under Hon. Nasiru Saidu Adhama, for driving the P-YES programme in accordance with the mandates prescribed for the office and the programme.

He expressed confidence that the programme being supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would make significant difference.

In his remarks, Hon Adhama assured the President that as achieved in the pilot phase of the programme the selection of beneficiaries in the full-scale P-YES scheme would be done with the utmost transparency and credibility, adding that equal opportunities will be observed in the delivery of equipment, tools and machines to all States and LGAs.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 12, 2020

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Building Collapses In Obalende, Lagos leaves 7 People Dead

             

A three storey-building located in Obalende area of Lagos as collapsed.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident.

He noted that the affected three-storey building located at 62, Odo Street, Obalende, Lagos Island, was under construction when it collapsed.

He said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, a three-storey building under construction was discovered to have self-collapsed.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be ascertained, but efforts are presently ongoing by LASEMA and other responders towards salvaging the situation.

“As of 05:40pm, a total of eight people (all males) have been extricated alive by the LASEMA Response Team and other stakeholders, and have been attended and quickly transferred to the hospital by LASEMA paramedics for further medical attention at Lagos Island General Hospital.

He added that the recovery operation is still ongoing.

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(VIDEO) Police Attacks Arise TV Cameraman, Breaks his Head Hours After SARS Was Scrapped

 

Policemen have attacked and brutalised an Arise News Channel crew covering the IGP Mohammed Adamu’s dissolution of rogue police unit, the Special Anti-robbery  Squad (SARS).

The cameraman Francis Ogbonna was hit several times on the head and his camera destroyed, while his correspondent, Ferdinand Duruoha took to his heels after being intimidated.

Duruoha fled after hearing orders of “Shoot him! shoot him!”

The crew were interviewing protesters who had gathered at the Police headquarters.

According to the Arise crew, the Police pounced on anyone they could, with Ogbonna one of many injured.

Ogbonna has been taken to the hospital as Arise News management engages with the Police.

Rita Osakwe

ARISE NEWS

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BREAKING NEWS - INEC DECLARES ROTIMI AKEREDOLU WINNER OF THE ONDO STATE ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Gov Olwarotimi Akeredolu winner of the just concluded Ondo State Governorship election.

Akeredolu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled a total of 292,839 votes while Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) garnered 19,3585 votes, leaving margin of 99,254.

Agboola Ajayi of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) came a distant third with 60,051 votes.

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BREAKING NEWS - IGP DISSOLVES SPECIAL ANTI ROBBERY SQUAD

 

The Inspector General of police, Muhammed Adamu has succumbed to pressure and has dissolved the notorious Special Anti Robbery Squad. 

More information has it unfolds

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UPDATES : Results of the Ondo Governorship Election as officially announced by INEC LG Collation Officers.

1. Ifedore LGA:

REG. VOTERS- 75,257

ACC. VOTERS- 24,441

APC: 9,350

PDP: 11,852

ZLP: 1,863

Valid: 23,754

Rejected votes: 754

Total votes cast: 24,408

2. Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government

REG. VOTERS-72,841

ACC. VOTERS-26,253

APC -13,278

PDP- 9,231

3. Irele Local Government

TOTAL REG VOTERS- 66958

TOTAL ACC. VOTERS-25819

APC-12,643

PDP-5,493

4. Akoko North-East Local Government

REG. VOTERS - 80,040

ACC. VOTERS - 30,409

APC-16,572

PDP-8,380

5. Akoko South-West Local Government

 REG. VOTERS- 101,842

ACC. VOTERS- 41,307

APC- 21,232

PDP- 15,055

6. Akoko North-West Local Government

REG. VOTERS -72,139

ACC. VOTERS - 30,928

APC- 15,809

PDP- 10,320

7. Ondo East Local Government

REG. VOTERS -50,495

ACC. VOTERS -14,952

APC - 6,485

PDP - 4,049

ZLP - 3,221

8. Owo Local Government

REG. VOTERS- 128,448

ACC. VOTERS- 44,634

APC - 35,957

PDP - 5,311

ZLP - 408

9. Akure North Local Government

REG. VOTERS -63,450

ACC. VOTERS -24,375

APC - 9,546

PDP- 12,263

10. Idanre Local Government

REG. VOTERS - 82,448

ACC. VOTERS -25,623

APC-11,286

PDP - 7,499

11. Akoko South-East Local Government

REG. VOTERS - 35,709

ACC.VOTERS -15,956

APC - 9,419

PDP - 4,003

12. Akure South Local Government

REG. VOTERS - 286,641

ACC. VOTERS - 69,961

APC- 17,277

PDP- 47,627

13. Ose Local Government Area

REG VOTERS -  69,087

ACC VOTERS - 26,065

APC - 15,122

PDP - 8,421

ZLP - 1,083

14. Okitipupa Local Government

REG. VOTERS-108,404

ACC. VOTERS- 42,456

APC- 19,266

PDP- 10,367

ZLP - 10,120

15. Ondo West Local Government

REG. VOTERS - 171,104

ACC. VOTERS - 39,890

APC- 15,977

PDP- 10,627

ZLP - 10,159

16. Odigbo Local Government

REG. VOTERS-134,674

ACC. VOTERS -43,250

APC - 23,571

PDP - 9,485

ZLP - 6,540

17. Ilaje Local Government

APC - 26,657

PDP - 11,128

ZLP - 4,405

18. Ese Odo Local Government Area

APC - 13,383

PDP - 4,680

ZLP - 760

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Polish teenager Iga Swiatek wins her country’s first-ever French Open

Grand Slam singles title on Saturday as she defeated American fourth seed Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1 to become the youngest women’s French Open champion since 1992.

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Ondo State Governorship Election in Picture

The electorate across the 18 local governments of Ondo State on Saturday went to the polls to cast their ballots for the person who will lead them for the next four years.

Voters including young and old citizens and the disabled were also not left out as they were assisted to the polls to cast their votes.

 

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Ondo 2020: Man Stabbed At Polling Unit

 A man has been stabbed by unknown hoodlums at a polling unit in Ondo State where the gubernatorial election is holding.

The victim whose name is yet to be disclosed was found bleeding on the floor few metres away from where he was supposed to cast his vote.

He was quickly whisked away from Ijomu Ward 4 where the incident took place and was taken to a police clinic in Akure.

READ ALSO: Ondo 2020: Boat Conveying INEC Workers, Electoral Materials Capsizes

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigations, Lanre Bankole, said the victim is now stable, adding that two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the attack.

He denied that the gunshots heard within the time of the attack on the individual were not from police guns and assured that in due time investigations will reveal what really transpired.

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Ondo 2020: Boat Conveying INEC Workers, Electoral Materials Capsizes

A boat conveying some ad-hoc Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers and electoral materials to the riverine Ilaje communities in Ondo State has capsized.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Rufus Oloruntoyin Akeju, who confirmed the incident, said the boat capsized on Friday night during the movement of “personnel and materials to the riverine Registration Areas of Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA).”

“Fortunately, all personnel and election materials were rescued when the boat capsized,” Akeju added.

The rescue efforts were carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy who escorted the boats.

The movement of the election materials and the personnel was eventually concluded and voting commenced as planned in all the polling units on Saturday.

INEC, therefore, commended the resilience and professionalism of the Nigerian Navy as well as those of all other personnel involved in the exercise.

CHANNELS TV

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‘COVID-19 Is Still Real, Ferocious And Deadly’: PTF Warns Nigerians

The Presidential Task force for Covid19 , Boss Mustapha has said Nigeria is not completely out of the woods yet concerning the Covid 19 Pandemic. the Chairman warned during a briefing of the task force on Thursday in Abuja.

In his statements:

 “Although Nigeria is no longer in the top five countries by cumulative deaths in Africa, the PTF continues to urge Nigerians to change their attitude of scepticism and nonchalance to the virus,”

“For the avoidance of doubts, the virus is real, ferocious and deadly. To date, Nigeria has recorded 59,738 confirmed cases and 1,113 fatalities.

“The PTF is fully conscious, but not deceived, by the fact that our recovery rate is high and very encouraging,” the SGF added, calling for ramping up of COVID-19 tests which he reiterated is “the only way to detect, isolate, trace and treat.”

“The PTF and relevant agencies are working with the European Union on the issue of flights into Nigeria.” 

“As soon as negotiations are completed, Nigerians will be informed accordingly. For flights currently allowed into Nigeria, we are seeing a combined number of 4,500 arriving passengers per day into Lagos and Abuja.”

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